May 16, 2012
This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism
Southern Minnesota
May 18 & 19, Faribault
Minnesota in May State BBQ Competition
This BBQ competition is held at the beautiful Rice County Fairgrounds by the river, with amazing BBQ, live music, pancake breakfast, kids’ BBQ competition, beer gardens, car show, vendors, awards ceremony, and more! 507/334-4381
May 18-20, Preston
Preston Trout Days
Preston will celebrate its status as Minnesota’s Trout Fishing Capitol with a wide array of activities and festivities, including fishing contests for adults and children, a chicken BBQ, citywide garage sales, art show & book sale, tractor pull, Lions Club pancake breakfast, a parade, street dance, firemen’s beer tent, car show, games, golf tournament, food vendors, and fireworks. Preston is located southeast of Rochester on Hwy 52. 507/765-2153
May 19, Whalan
Stand-Still Parade & Bluff Country Gathering
This parade was featured in a 1995 CBS News story, touting the ingenuity of a town wanting a parade despite a one block long Main Street! In addition to the stand-still parade solution, festivities include live music by two bands, bed races, a pie-eating contest, children’s games and prizes, free rides on the Little Blue Choo, a petting zoo, Vincent the Gypsy Horse, book-signing, amazing food, arts and craft vendors, and numerous demonstrations. That evening, enjoy the Bluff Country Gathering Barn Dance offered right around the corner at the Lanesboro Community Center, with a “how-to” lesson, live music and calling. 507/467-2696
May 26, Comfrey
Touch the Past: American Indian Handicrafts
Create American Indian hand-crafted objects at Jeffers Petroglyphs; learn how to use fibers from native plants to make string, and use clay to create pinch & coil pots while learning about traditional American Indian pottery. 507/628-5591
May 26 & 27, Dundas
Rice County Steam and Gas Engines Show
The Memorial Weekend swap meet and flea market at the Dundas showgrounds will include antique tractors, a tractor pull, consignment auction, threshing demonstrations, great food, and much more! The Dundas showgrounds is three miles south of town on Highway 3. 507/645-4336
June 1-3, Luverne
Buffalo Days
Enjoy non-stop weekend entertainment during this popular summer event, with an Antique Vehicle & Classic Car Cruise-In, live music, street dances, duck races, fire truck ladder rides, the Buffalo Days parade, motorcycle rally, Belgian Waffle feed, Arts In The Park with more than 100 vendors, a buffalo chip-throwing contest, 5K & 10K runs, free Planetrain rides, an old-fashioned Hoe-Down, Dutch Oven dinner, and the Blue Mounds Writers Series at Blue Mounds State Park. 507/283-4061
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
May 18-20, Northeast Minneapolis
Art-A-Whirl
Art-A-Whirl is one of the largest open studio tours in the country, with over 500 artists participating in this unique and popular event. Other highlights include demonstrations, live performances, and large-scale exhibitions. Plan your trip ahead of time using the NEMAA Artist Directory pinpointing studio locations, trolley routes, and parking options. 612/788-1679
May 19, Farmington
Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games
Anyone wanting to visit Scotland should head to the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington on May 19 where they will be transported to Scotland for a day, with Highland & Country dancing, traditional games, living history, amazing live music, children’s activities & prizes, Scottish vendors & clans, pipers, sheepherding, animal rescue groups, and more. And don’t miss men in skirts (kilts) throwing telephone poles (cabers), and lots of other odd behavior during the Heavy Games! 952/470-6300
May 19 & 20, Hugo
Minnesota Outdoor Youth Expo
Bring your kids to Wild Wings of Oneka Hunt Club and give them a better understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting nature, while sharing a day outdoors. Learn from more than 60 outdoor organizations, experts and educators, and enjoy activities at each exhibit situated on over 65-acres of beautiful wooded trails and open fields. 651/439-4287
May 25-28, Stanton
Cannon River Rendezvous
The Cannon River Rendezvous is a re-enactment of an early 1800s fur trade rendezvous. Characters and activities of the time are portrayed by over 150 re-enactors in historically accurate attire and camps. Enjoy music, food, demonstrations, sporting and old-time skill contests and competitions, vendors at “Traders Row,” dancing, and children’s games, along with a beautiful, patriotic Memorial Day service. Stanton is located 9 miles west of Cannon Falls on County Road 19. 763/213-7572
May 26-September 3, Apple Valley
Dinosaurs!
An exciting pre-historic adventure awaits Minnesota Zoo guests beginning May 26, when fifteen larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs will take up temporary residence on the Zoo’s Northern Trail. During opening weekend, May 26-28, also enjoy Dr. Bone-a-Part, live music, dinosaur activities, zookeeper talks, Animal Encounters, Dinosaur face painting, and Dinos & Donuts! 952/431-9500
June 2, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Beer Festival
Simply, beer and music. Participants can sample a multitude of imported and domestic beers from local participating establishments while listening to live musical entertainment and enjoying some great people-watching. If you’d prefer to be watched, hop on the mechanical bull and test your skill for free! 612/341-4110
Central Minnesota
May 18-20, Brainerd
CRA Superbike Racing & Rodeos
The Central Roadracing Association brings its insane brand of superbike racing to Brainerd International Raceway’s 3-mile, 10-turn Donnybrooke Road Course, with racers working the tight turns and challenging corners on two wheels and a knee. And be sure to check out the Minnesota High School Rodeo at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds to see approximately 140 contestants competing in traditional rodeo events. 800-450-2838
May 19 & 20, Sauk Centre
MN-ND Arabian Horse Show and City Wide Garage Sale
Visit the Stearns County Fairgrounds and watch a horse show dedicated to the beautiful Arabian Horse. During the breaks, hit the garage sales throughout town, or head to the Sauk Centre Civic Arena for the Second Hand Sale. 320/352-5201
May 20, Willmar
Willmar Car Club Car Show and Swap Meet
Held at Kennedy School in Willmar, this 32nd annual show is one of the largest in the state, with a total of 39 classes of vehicles. Other highlights include door prizes, giveaways, free shuttles to the car museum tour, a car cruise, awards ceremony, and a DJ playing fun 50s music. 320/354-2457
May 24-28, Zimmerman
Wild West Days
Join the Zimmerman Civic Club this Memorial Day Weekend for the annual Wild West Days celebration, and enjoy exciting activities and entertainment all weekend long. Featured will be the very popular Wild West Days Parade, a carnival, Zimmerman’s Got Talent contest, a soap box derby, pony & camel rides, concerts and street dances, fireworks, Jacobs Run, and a karaoke contest. 763/234-5414
May 24-28, Alexandria
Awake the Lakes
Memorial Day Weekend will be jam-packed with activities during Awake the Lakes, with the Habitat for Humanity Motorcycle Ride, Rib Fest 2012, Everett Smithson Live Blues Music, Blues for Kids lessons, fireworks over Lakes Agnes and Henry, parades, Awake the Grapes 5 & 10k Fun Runs at Carlos Creek Winery, sidewalk sales at area merchants, and more! 800-235-9441
June 1-3, Richmond
Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff
This three-day outdoor music and camping festival is held each year at El Rancho Manana Resort, with stage shows by twenty regional bluegrass, old-time, and related acoustic music groups. Also enjoy workshops, food vendors and jam sessions. Camping, horseback riding, boat rental, fishing and swimming are on site. 800-635-3037
Northwest Minnesota
May 17-19, Detroit Lakes
Legacy Destination Festivities & Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds
Join Detroit Lakes as they celebrate culture and conservation, with art, history and outdoor recreational events and workshops, including a Guided Mushroom Hike at the Greenwater Scientific & Natural Area, the Detroit Lakes Reel Country Walleye Tournament, and the very popular Festival of the Birds. 800-542-3992
May 19, Thief River Falls
Sanford Health Triathlon
This 28th annual Thief River Falls triathlon will begin at the Franklin Middle School Pool with a 500 yard swim, followed by a 12 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run. A shorter and easier triathlon will also be offered for the kids. Arrive Friday evening, May 18, and take advantage of the Pasta Feed at the Evergreen Eating Emporium. And Saturday evening, head to the Eagles Hall for a performance by the Cathy Erickson Band & Killingberg Orchestra, direct from Norway! 218/686-9785
May 25–27, Cass Lake
Leech Lake Veterans Memorial Traditional Pow Wow
The Veteran’s Memorial Grounds, located next to the Palace Casino, will be the site of this annual Pow Wow, with traditional flag raisings, dancing and drumming, grand entries, Native American crafts, and food vendors. Full regalia required to register. The public is encouraged to attend. 218/308-3680
May 27, Park Rapids
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Jim and Molly Bauer
Back by popular demand, Jim and Molly Bauer, Minnesota-based acoustic guitarists, will fill Itasca State Park’s Forest Inn with familiar folk and folk rock songs. This concert is free! 218/699-7251
June 2-9, Hawley
Hawley Rodeo Fest
A full week of events, starting with Breakfast on the Farm, and culminating with two nights of Rodeo performances followed by a rodeo dance. Additional activities include a Kids’ Pedal Tractor Pull, antique tractor display, farm animal zoo, Community Cowboy Church at the rodeo grounds, a horse show, the Little Miss Hawley & Miss Hawley Scholarship pageants, music by the Okee Dokee Bros, a variety show, a health fair, magic show, classic car & motorcycle show, Jaycee’s Annual Beef Feed, Happy Old Timers Pie & Ice Cream Social, kiddie parade, classic car cruise, and Rodeo Fest parade. 218/483-3331
Northeast Minnesota
May 18 & 19, Ely
Ely’s 2nd Annual City Wide Rummage Sale and Business Crazy Days
Ely’s rummage sales and Crazy Days sales offer something for everyone, with over 60 sales during this two-day event. An Art & Flea Market will also be offered at the Ely Arts & Heritage Center. 800-777-7281
May 19, Orr
Airport Fly-in & Craft & Flea Market
Enjoy breakfast and lunch, a fly-in and a market filled with vendors, all to honor the Orr Airport’s recent award, “Best Project.” 877-254-4691
May 24-27, Hibbing
Dylan Days
Dylan Days is a music, art and literary event honoring Bob Dylan in his Iron Range hometown. The event features Dylan history and lore, live performances and opportunities for artists of all kinds to compete and share their work. A few of the highlights include the Dylan Days Welcome Reception, Dylan Days Symposium, Dylan Days Singer/Songwriter contest, Bobby Zimmerman Bus Tour, and Dylan Days Farewell Brunch & Service. 866-305-3849
May 25-28, Grand Marais
Memorial Day in Grand Marais
This holiday weekend filled with events and activities includes live music all weekend, an art crawl, photography walk, naturalist’s walk, 22 eateries, 24 galleries and shops, kids’ art activities, Fiber Arts & Weaving Exhibit, Writer’s Salon, naturalist talks & campfires, Agate Picking 101, demonstrations, miniature golf, airplane rides, kite flying, biking, Lake Superior fishing trips, farm and craft markets, and a shipwreck presentation! 218/387-2524
May 30-June 3, Duluth
Duluth Superior Film Festival
The Duluth Superior Film Festival and Visit Duluth are ecstatic to bring this festival of film, music and art to Duluth. This year’s festival strives to highlight artistic cinema that has been created in this region of the state. Numerous venues will host this event. 612/227-8015
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